Valeriana alternifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Valeriana pseudofficinalis
• Valeriana transbaicalensis
• Valeriana subbipinnatifolia
• Valeriana alternifolia f. verticillata
• Valeriana stubendorfii
• Valeriana alternifolia subsp. stubendorfiana
• Valeriana elodea
• Valeriana alternifolia subsp. pseudocoreana
• Valeriana lyratifolia
• Valeriana alternifolia var. angustifolia
• Valeriana jacutica
• Valeriana alternifolia f. angustifolia
• Valeriana kuminoviana
• Valeriana dahurica
• Valeriana alternifolia f. filisecta
• Valeriana alternifolia var. stolonifera
• Valeriana alternifolia var. stubendorfii
• Valeriana officinalis var. alternifolia
• Valeriana stubendorfii f. angustifolia
• Valeriana spectabilis
• Valeriana alternifolia subsp. stubendorfii
• Valeriana stubendorfiana
• Valeriana elodea var. longiloba

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Dipsacales, and the family Caprifoliaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation falls under the genus Valeriana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Valeriana alternifolia, is primarily distributed across several key regions within the vast expanse of Siberia. Its presence is well-documented in the Republic of Buryatia, where it thrives in specific local habitats. The species also extends its range into the Transbaikal region, specifically within the area of Chita. Furthermore, it can be found growing throughout the Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk oblasts. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the rugged terrain of Tuva.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Valeriana alternifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, the plant establishes a robust root system that enables it to survive periods of dormancy and regrow annually. Its developmental cycle involves a continuous progression from germination to maturity, where it focuses on accumulating resources within its rhizomatous structures to support seasonal regrowth and reproductive efforts. This perennial lifecycle ensures that the plant can maintain a stable presence within its ecological niche, undergoing repeated cycles of vegetative growth and flowering over several years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Valeriana alternifolia is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, functioning through its own metabolic processes without relying on a host plant. Its structure is entirely non-woody, lacking permanent woody tissue, which is typical of its herbaceous habit.

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

Reproduction in Valeriana alternifolia occurs primarily through the production of seeds, which are the result of sexual pollination processes. The plant develops small, lightweight seeds that are essential for the dispersal and establishment of new individuals within its habitat. Quantitative analysis of its reproductive output reveals specific morphological characteristics of the progeny, notably a seed mass mean of 0.0345 g. This precise seed mass is a critical factor in the plant's reproductive success, as it influences the buoyancy, dispersal distance, and initial nutrient reserves available to the germinating embryo. The timing and efficiency of seed maturation are closely tied to the seasonal cycles, ensuring that seeds are released under optimal environmental conditions to maximize recruitment and population stability.

Seed mass mean:

0.0345 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Valeriana alternifolia has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome, root.

Rhizome

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Root

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Valeriana alternifolia has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BORNYL ACETATE, Borneol, CAMPHENE, ISOVALERIC ACID, Terpinyl acetate.

BORNYL ACETATE

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Borneol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

CAMPHENE

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

ISOVALERIC ACID

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Terpinyl acetate

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

alpha-Curcumene

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

beta-Bisabolene

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

trans-beta-Farnesene

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Preparations

Valeriana alternifolia has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil.

Essential oil

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica